SPECTRE OF THE BROCKEN. 



Although the height of the Hartz Giant, the Brocken is only three 

 thousand four hundred feet above the level of the sea; yet, it being isolated 

 from its diminutive brethren, and no other mountains of equal altitude 

 intervening to obstruct the view, we have consequently a more extensive 

 prospect than from one of much greater height in the Tyrol or Switzer- 

 land; but those persons who tell us that the Baltic, the German Ocean, 

 and the Vosges Mountains are visible, we may be assured are most 

 imaginative tourists. However, Magdeburg, with the Elbe, Erfurt, 

 Gotha, and Wilhelmshohe at Cassel, may be distinctly seen, together with 

 the towns of Brunswick and Wolfenbuttel. The surrounding country 

 is also exceedingly interesting, as it affords numerous excursions, and at 

 the same time a fund of amusement to the imaginative tourist, for he is 

 now in the region of enchantment; and every hill, glen, and wood, has 

 been the theatre of some supernatural legend. The Spectre of the 

 Brocken is an aerial figure, which is sometimes seen among the Hartz 

 Mountains in Hanover. This atmospherical phenomenon has been seen 

 by many travellers, one of whom has described it as follows : " Having 

 ascended the Brocken for the thirtieth time, I was at length so fortunate 

 as to have the pleasure of seeing this phenomenon. The sun rose about 

 four o'clock, and the atmosphere being quite serene towards the east, its 

 rays could pass without any obstruction over the Heinrichpbke mountain. 

 About a quarter past four I looked round to see whether the atmosphere 

 would permit me to have a free prospect to the southwest, when I 

 observed at a great distance, Achtermannshbue, a human figure of a 

 monstrous size ! A violent gust of wind having almost carried away my 

 hat, I moved my hand towards my head, and the colossal figure did the 

 same. The pleasure which I felt at this discovery can hardly be 

 described ; for I had already walked many a weary step in the hope of 

 seeing this shadowy image without being able to gratify my curiosity. 

 I made immediately another movement by bending my body, and the 

 colossal figure before me repeated it. I was desirous of doing the same 

 thing once more, but my colossus had vanished, I remained in the same 

 position waiting to see whether it would return, and in a few minutes it 

 again made its appearance on the Achtermannshbue. I then called the 

 landlord of the neighbouring Inn, and having both taken the position 

 which I had taken alone, we saw two colossal figures, which repeated 



